Pros:
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Durable hardshell exterior with a luxurious sheen
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Includes interior divider and various pockets
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Available in four colors and part of a larger collection
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Equipped with 360-degree spinner wheels
Cons:
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Might be too large to fit under the seat of most airlines
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Hardsided nature contributes to more dings and dents
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Colors: Rose gold, black, silver, gold and limited-edition copper | Material: Polycarbonate exterior and polyester interior | Weight: 5.95 pounds | Dimensions: 16.5 by 14.25 by 8.5 inches (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 40.375 inches
Powers’ pick for the best underseat luggage is Calpak’s Ambeur Mini Carry-On. “It has a durable hard shell exterior to protect items,” she explains. “It has 360-degree spinner wheels, making it super easy to roll, has cushioned top and side handles and has an interior divider with multiple pockets for easier packing. Its sophisticated design and smaller size for shorter trips is a winning combination.” A carry-on like this will help you pack lighter and smarter for the next trip!
The Calpak ranked well in our testing, from packing to price. First, it arrived with a branded, protective drawstring bag. Secondly, the high-quality zippers click into adjacent locks and pop out when the locks are released. Additionally, a TSA-approved padlock and interior straps that keep the suitcase at an upright 90-degree angle make packing and traveling a whole lot easier.
Since this is a hardshell suitcase, it does not offer any exterior pockets. However, the durable exterior has a luxurious sheen and an incredibly attractive low-profile design. Our testers also loved the sturdy telescopic handles with two locking positions to adjust the height and the corner protectors around the four double wheels that roll like a dream.
Packing the top portion of this suitcase is a little tricky as it doesn’t lay perfectly flat nor is it big enough for a MacBook Pro. We think the hardshell nature might not make this the best option for underseat storage as it would be difficult to access contents mid-flight and technically measures too big to stow under a seat on most major airlines. Nonetheless, it is well-designed with a two-year warranty and solid construction. Part of Calpak’s Ambeur collection, you can still coordinate this piece with other luggage options like a vanity case.
Pros:
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Made of durable, ballistic nylon material
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Has lots of interior and exterior pockets
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Interlocking handle system for secure stacking
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Premium leather top-carry handle
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Lifetime warranty
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Colors: Black, navy, olive | Material: Ballistic nylon | Weight: 7.05 pounds | Dimensions: 14.5 by 15.5 by 8.75 inches (height, width, depth) | Telescopic handle height: 40.5 inches
A suitcase is considered an investment piece that should stand the test of time. That’s exactly what you’ll get when you splurge on this Briggs & Riley Baseline Cabin Spinner. Constructed of durable ballistic nylon fabric, this best underseat luggage withstands wear and tear, moisture, dirt and abrasions and sits on 360-degree shock-absorbing spinner wheels. It features a lifetime warranty where the brand will repair a broken or damaged bag free of charge, no questions asked.
This bag arrived in excellent condition with an attached hideaway luggage tag. Its ultra-compact design made it a bit difficult for us to pack everything inside without rolling the clothing or rearranging some items to create more space. Nonetheless, the bag does offer a front padded slip pocket, easily accessible side pockets and multiple roomy pockets on the inside. Although this bag doesn’t technically fit within airline specifications for underseat luggage, we recommend using Briggs & Riley’s airline carry-on guide for confirmation.
But our favorite feature was the smartly designed and incredibly strong interlocking handle system. Outfitted with a trolley strap on the back, this luggage stacks on top of other Briggs & Riley Baseline suitcases effortlessly. Elastic bands counterbalance the load to keep everything upright meaning your luggage is less likely to topple over while you run to your gate. It even worked when we stacked it on top of the Calpak mini carry-on.
The telescopic handle adjusts to a variety of heights and the four swivel wheels provide optimal turn radius. Another feature we loved during testing was the leather magnetic handle. This premium addition feels good to the touch and adds a luxurious feel that snaps and Velcro can’t achieve. The self-repairing YKK zippers are on a thick, durable track that complements the bag’s utilitarian design. However, you can add a free leather monogrammed nameplate to the cabin spinner for personalization.
What to look for when buying underseat luggage
When searching for the best underseat luggage, consider how often and how far you fly. If you stack up frequent flyer miles easily, then look for luggage that’s durable enough to accompany you on your constant travel adventures. You might also want a hardshell suitcase or one with a stain-resistant exterior fabric to withstand wear and tear. A business traveler might prefer underseat luggage with many compartments and easy laptop access.
On the other hand, if you tend to only travel a couple of times a year for weekend getaways, then you can probably buy luggage that’s more form than function. No matter the type of travel, we recommend underseat luggage that will, first and foremost, fit under the seat of the airline you fly. Otherwise, you’ll have to utilize it as an overhead carry-on.
Furthermore, it’s good to get luggage with ample storage to accommodate your length of stay, easy maneuverability to get from the security line to the boarding gate and telescopic handles for added comfort. TSA-approved padlocks and charging ports aren’t necessary but are bonus features that we love.
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Why you should trust us
Our editors aren’t just product testers—they’re flyers, cruisers and road trippers, too! And when we hear about the latest trends and innovations in luggage, we want to make sure the best travel products live up to the hype. We’ve put the top luggage brands to the test, including Monos, Beis, Away, Roam and Briggs and Riley, and regularly consult with industry experts for their expert opinions.
We’ve ranked the best carry-ons, weekenders, luggage sets and affordable suitcases, and also regularly try out travel accessories like neck pillows, toiletry bags, packing cubes and luggage racks. Whenever we find something we love, we make sure to tell you about it! Our Product Testing Team ordered, unboxed and experienced these luggage options for themselves. Of the 10 brands the team tested, only seven made the list.Â
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How we found the best underseat luggage to fuel your wanderlust
Before you cash in those miles and jet set to that tropical vacation hideaway, we want to make sure you have the top pick when it comes to the best underseat luggage. Our Product Testing Team tested 10 luggage brands in our studio from high-end retailers to everyday brands. With in-depth research and a rubric that tested size, durability, maneuverability, capacity and functionality, we narrowed that list from 10 to seven.
Our testers considered how well each underseat luggage best fit the designated size specifications on the top airlines. Additionally, our team rated the luggage on packaging and delivery, functionality and features, the comfort and ergonomic design of the handles, appearance and style and overall value. Each piece of luggage was rated and ranked out of a total score of 25. With thorough testing and recognition of notable differences, we’re confident in these seven best underseat luggage picks.
FAQ
What is the best size for underseat luggage?
Here are the guidelines for underseat luggage on major airlines. Just keep in mind that size requirements may vary by the type of aircraft and some airlines have different size limits for carry-on bags versus underseat luggage.
- Alaska Airlines: Alaska’s carry-on size is 22 by 14 by 9 inches, including the wheels and handles. It also defines a personal item as, “a purse, briefcase or laptop bag.”
- American Airlines: Bags stored underneath the seat in front of you should not exceed 18 by 14 by 8 inches.
- Delta: Delta defines a personal item as, “a purse, laptop bag or item of similar size that will fit underneath the seat in front of you,” and their maximum carry-on size is 22 by 14 by 9 inches, with no bag exceeding 45 linear inches combined. (Did you know Delta is one of the most pet-friendly airlines?)
- Hawaiian Airlines: Carry-on bags should not exceed 9 by 14 by 22 inches or 45 linear inches, or weigh over 25 pounds. “The allotted personal item must be small enough to fit safely under the seat in front of you. Personal items are generally such things as a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, small backpack or similar piece. In each case, it must fit safely under the seat in front of you,” they explain.
- JetBlue: Carry-on bags should not exceed 22 by 14 by 9 inches, but underseat personal items can’t be bigger than 17 by 13 by 8 inches.
- United Airlines: United limits underseat luggage to 9 by 10 by 17 inches.
- Southwest Airlines: Personal items must fit in the 16.25- by 13.5- by 8-inch space underneath the seat in front of you.
- Spirit Airlines: Spirit allows personal items up to 18 by 14 by 8 inches, including handles and wheels.
Can you have overhead and underseat luggage?
“Typically, you can have overhead and underseat luggage,” says Bodge. However, it depends on the size of the bag, the restrictions of the specific airline you are flying and whether you can have both overhead and underseat luggage. In many cases, a carry-on bag is overhead luggage and an underseat bag is a personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.
How heavy can underseat luggage or bag be?
Weight restrictions for carry-on luggage vary. Some airlines, including American and Delta, don’t even have any for domestic and even most international travel. However, some budget airlines, including Frontier, require carry-ons to weigh 35 pounds or less.
Does underseat luggage count as a personal item?
“An underseat bag is considered to be a personal item,” says Bodge. However, it will ultimately depend on the carrier and size of the bags.
Sources:Â
Additional reporting by Leah Groth.